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Thursday, September 26, 2002

I have been part of the growing HSP "community" for several years now. Although I have little doubt that I "belong" to this community, I continue to think of myself as "The Accidental HSP." Of course, I'm not saying that there's anything "accidental" about my sensitivity, however, I did stumble into the concept of "HSPs" while in the process of studying and researching one of my long-time "pet projects:" Adult Giftedness. Although this site will often have sprinkles of information about giftedness, the main focus here will be on High Sensitivity.

So why this blog? Well, I already keep multiple web sites (a result of a syndrome known as "too many interests") and since this is mostly a writing exercise, I really have little interest in starting and maintaining yet another commercial website, just to post thoughts and musings. The good people at Blogger have made the process of keeping this type of "online journal" incredibly easy (commercial "plug" for which I receive no compensation) so I've chosen to use their templates, rather than code a whole new web site.

So what am I planning to do with this? Apart from being a personal writing exercise and informal "newsletter/journal," it's my intention to provide a "voice from real life" as an HSP. There's already a fair amount of information online, concerning the more "scientific" and "psychological" aspects of being a Highly Sensitive Person, but not nearly so much help, if you just want to read about some of the day-to-day trials and tribulations of an HSP. Also, much of the information available is pretty specific, and not drawn together with perspectives from other NON-HSP sources. Unfortunately, any group that spends a lot of time looking "inwards," tends to eventually isolate itself inside its self-definition. On this site, I will attempt to limit the "Us vs. Them" discourse, in favor of a more "globally inclusive" tone, and generally included content intended to help the HSP live an easier life in a world not designed for HSPs.

I am not sure how often I will write here, nor for how long I will do this. I spent some time considering whether or not my feelings would be hurt if nobody ever read this journal, but concluded that since I am writing it mostly for myself, having others read is a "bonus" rather than an "expectation."

The HSP Notes Bookstore is now open! 100's of books (and HSP friendly products) individually chosen for their “HSP Relevance,” all recommended by HSPs, for HSPs. Click on the "HSP Bookstore" tab (above) to see what's on offer!

Welcome to HSP Notes!

I am a Highly Sensitive Person. I have always known this, but I discovered there was a "name" for it in 1997, and have spent the ensuing years learning all I can about the innate aspects of the trait, about myself, and what it means in my life. Although relatively few people are aware of it, as many as 15%-20% of the population are HSPs. Unfortunately, "being sensitive" carries some incorrect negative connotations and cultural biases that often lead sensitive people to "misdiagnose" themselves, or hide their true nature.

This site is much more than just "a blog;" since 2002 it has offered a conglomeration of articles, personal stories, HSP community news, as well as an HSP Bookstore, information resources for HSPs, whether you've just discovered that "Hey! This is ME!" or have been exploring the meaning of "being sensitive" for a long time. Welcome, and thank you for your interest!

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Published since 2002, "HSP Notes" is one of the oldest HSP-specific blogs on the Internet. The archive of older posts covers an extensive range of topics and issues I have come across, in the course of learning about what it means to be an HSP.

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HSPs & Work

Learning About the HSP Trait

Having had the privilege of meeting 100s of fellow HSPs in person, and 1000s in cyberspace, I have learned that the single most important difference between those who feel like they are suffering with their sensitivity, and those who are thriving, is information and knowledge. The more you know and understand, the more you can work with your sensitivity as a gift, rather than experiencing it as a burden.

The links in the first section below are to some of the most significant informational HSP sites on the web. The second set of links are to therapists and life coaches who have a thorough understanding of the trait-- most of them I know personally, and they generally accept phone/email/online chat sessions. The third links section includes web sites I believe to be "of general interest" to HSPs, based on the common interests highly sensitive people have shared with me, over the years.

HSP Bookstore: Recommended HSP Reading

The Importance of Connecting

Another extremely important way for an HSP to find inner peace is "connection." This may sound counterintuitive to those who are introverts, reclusive and feel easily overstimulated by people. However, nobody understands what it is like to be a highly sensitive person like another highly sensitive person. Hence it is very important for HSPs to connect with fellow HSPs.

The links in this section are to sites that offer various ways for HSPs to connect with each other, from web-based discussion groups and forums, to HSP workshops, gatherings and retreats.